Members of the Electrical Trades Union, the Combined Ports Unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Workers Union took part in the strikes. Industrial action cost union members money and could jeopardise future dealings between employers and workers, she said on Sunday. "If there's a bit of give and take on both sides, I'm sure an agreement could be reached." Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA state secretary Steve McCartney earlier said the industrial action was a "direct result of the company's failure to negotiate seriously". Electrical Trades Union WA secretary Adam Woodage said BHP was trying to push through a "false floor" pay offer while pointing to its profit of about $15 billion in the past financial year.